By Justin Creech
Staff writer
Thursday, February 28, 2013

Soldiers, their spouses and children sampled traditional style chili, Mexican style chili, chicken chili and other varieties, as they got to know their neighbors during the Villages at Belvoir’s third annual chili cook off Saturday.

Families at Fort Belvoir and chili makers on post filled the auditorium at the Belvoir Community Center for fun and fellowship, while tasting some of the more than twenty different chili recipes entered in the cook off.

“It’s a nice opportunity for the community to get together and visit with each other,” said Veronica Hawthorne, George Washington Village resident. “We also got to taste some great chili.”

The Villages at Belvoir organized the event because they wanted to bring Families across post together and have them mingle, according to Julie Divine, Woodlawn Village Community Center manager.

“People may mingle with their neighbors,” said Divine. “But this gives us a chance to bring the entire community together.”

Hawthorne came to the event with her two-year old daughter, Caitlin, and enjoyed meeting and talking to residents she did not know previously.

“A lot of us are away from our Families, so the military community becomes our second Family,” said Hawthorne. “It’s important for us to get together and do things like this.”

Staff Sgt. Jamian Slade, George Washington Village resident and his two children, Christian, 11 and Journey, 7, enjoyed tasting the chili and listening to the Family friendly music provided by the disc jockey. Slade likes the sense of camaraderie the community the event provided.

“Being in the Army, camaraderie and battle buddies are a big thing,” said Slade. “So, you never know when you might need your neighbors help.”

Laurie Leder of Woodlawn Village won first prize on Saturday with a Mexican style chili that consisted of venison, black beans and an assortment of Mexican spices. Leder participated in the event because her husband, Timothy, competed last year.

“This year was my turn,” said Leder. “I think it’s a fun thing to do.”

Being around other military community members on Saturday was important to Leder because of the bond they naturally have.

“As a military community, we already have that bond,” said Leder. “But, to have those people around you at an event gives you a warm feeling. It gives people a chance to come together.”

Divine said people told her they enjoyed the event because meeting other Families allows them to learn from people who are in the same situation, which provides a level of comfort.

She added the Families also appreciated how well the event was organized.

“A few people really appreciated how we had things set up and labeled,” said Divine. “It made it real easy for the people voting. So, that was real important.”

Watching Families meet each other and have good conversations is fulfilling for Divine because that is why the Villages at Belvoir organized the event.

“It makes you feel warm and fuzzy,” said Divine. “It’s a real good feeling to see people come out of their homes and have a smile on their face. It makes it all worthwhile.”